A sideswipe collision occurs when the sides of two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite direction make an impact. These crashes often happen in busy city settings, intersections, or on interstate highways. 

They may seem minor at first, but they can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and complicated insurance matters. When you must deal with medical bills, lost income, and repair expenses, having a Utah car accident lawyer to guide you throughout the process can make a significant difference. 

If a sideswipe accident happens in Utah or in the states where our firm is located, it’s helpful to have support from a team of car accident lawyers that understands local rules on fault, insurance requirements, and filing deadlines. Craig Swapp & Associates provides that support for individuals who are seeking fair compensation and clarity on their rights.

How Common Are Sideswipe Collisions?

A sideswipe car accident can occur on busy streets, rural roads, or highways. The nature of the impact involves one vehicle drifting or turning into the side of another. 

Although sideswipe crashes may not always garner headlines like frontal or rear-end collisions, they are more common than many realize. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Utah reported 139 deaths in multi-vehicle accidents in 2022. While not all of those were due to sideswipes, multi-vehicle crashes often include this type of impact.

In a typical scenario, a driver who fails to check mirrors or blind spots might steer into an adjacent lane, hitting a passing car. Heavy traffic congestion, high speeds, and unpredictable driver behavior can boost the likelihood of a sideswipe collision. 

Causes of Sideswipe Car Accidents

Several factors can precipitate a sideswipe accident, though certain behaviors or conditions commonly emerge as culprits:

  • Blind Spot Errors: Modern vehicles often have blind spots, especially larger pickups, SUVs, and commercial trucks. A driver who relies solely on mirrors – without physically checking over the shoulder – may fail to notice a smaller car in the next lane. When they move over, the contact between the two vehicles creates a sideswipe collision.
  • Distracted Driving: This issue arises from texting, eating, handling in-car technology, or any activity that takes eyes off the road. Glancing away from traffic flow, even for a short period, can be enough time to drift into an adjoining lane. Once a vehicle encroaches on another’s space, sideswiping is a distinct possibility.
  • Driving while Fatigued: Drowsy driving impairs reflexes and can blur focus. Those who doze at the wheel might unintentionally swerve, drifting across lane lines. Unfortunately, this loss of alertness often happens in early morning hours or late at night when fatigue is most pronounced.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs (including prescription medications) can alter depth perception, reaction time, and decision-making. If someone is under the influence, they may fail to maintain their lane or judge the distance between vehicles.
  • Speeding or Aggressive Lane Changes: Drivers who weave in and out of traffic increase the chance of misjudging lane gaps. Excess speed shortens the time available to react, causing abrupt, unsafe maneuvers that lead to a sideswipe car accident.
  • Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, ice, and snow reduce tire traction, making it easier to slide. Drivers who do not adjust their speed or style of driving to reflect these conditions may drift into neighboring lanes. In some mountainous regions in Utah and nearby states, snow and ice can linger, heightening the danger.

In Utah, personal injury claims following a sideswipe collision often hinge on the concept of negligence, meaning a driver failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. Evidence from the scene, witness statements, and crash reconstruction reports often help determine who was at fault.

Common Injuries in Sideswipe Car Accidents

A sideswipe accident can result in a broad range of injuries. Though these crashes may appear minor, the physical consequences can be serious, especially if one car veers off the road or collides with a stationary object. 

Here are frequent injury types seen after a sideswipe car accident:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: When the side of a vehicle is struck, occupants may be jostled or hit their head on the window or door frame. Mild concussions can resolve in a few weeks, but more severe brain injuries might cause long-lasting cognitive deficits.
  • Neck and Shoulder Injuries: A sudden lateral force can strain muscles and ligaments in the neck and shoulder region. Whiplash-type symptoms are common, though the mechanism involves sideways motion rather than only front-to-back movement. Persistent neck pain or reduced mobility can require extensive physical therapy to correct.
  • Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Even if seat belts do their job, the spine may be twisted or compressed by the impact. Slipped discs and nerve impingement sometimes originate from the force of a sideswipe collision. In severe cases, partial or total paralysis can happen if the spinal cord itself is damaged.
  • Bone Fractures: The side structure of a car offers less cushioning than the front or rear in many vehicles. Shoulders, arms, hips, and ribs can break or fracture when the occupant hits the interior door. Depending on the angle of the crash, the door might crumple inward, compounding the risk of fractures and internal injuries.
  • Soft Tissue and Internal Injuries: Beyond broken bones, severe bruising or internal organ damage can arise. Internal bleeding is sometimes difficult to detect initially but can threaten a person’s life if untreated. Swift medical evaluation is critical after a sideswipe accident to diagnose these conditions.
  • Psychological Injuries: It’s not unusual for people in serious crashes to develop anxiety about driving, sleeping difficulties, or even post-traumatic stress. Mental health care is part of the recovery process and should be considered when pursuing damages.

A comprehensive medical assessment is vital for anyone involved in a sideswipe car accident. Even when injuries seem minor, certain conditions, like whiplash or concussions, can show delayed symptoms. Documenting each ailment creates a clear record linking the injury to the collision, a crucial step in any claim for compensation.

Recoverable Damages in Sideswipe Accidents

Individuals harmed in a sideswipe collision often need financial support to manage medical bills, vehicle repairs, and the impact on daily life. Utah law entitles victims to pursue compensatory damages from the responsible party (or their insurer). Other states, including Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona, adhere to similar rules, though specific caps and guidelines can differ. Possible recoverable damages include:

  • Medical Expenses: All treatment costs tied to a sideswipe accident can factor into a settlement or lawsuit. Hospital bills, physician services, prescription medications, surgical procedures, physical therapy, mental health counseling, assistive devices (like wheelchairs or crutches), and any future medical needs fall into this category.
  • Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity: Missing work to recover from injuries leads to lost wages. In severe cases, disabling injuries can limit the ability to earn future income. A settlement or court award can compensate for both immediate and long-term financial harm.
  • Pain and Suffering: This category accounts for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident. Although intangible, pain and suffering is often a significant part of a personal injury claim. Documents such as medical evaluations, mental health records, and personal diaries can help illustrate the depth of physical and emotional harm.
  • Property Damage: When a sideswipe car accident leaves vehicles mangled, owners may recover repair or replacement costs. Custom or modified parts could also be included if they were damaged in the crash. It’s important to obtain multiple repair estimates for a clearer picture of the necessary costs.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: Some sideswipe collisions tragically lead to fatalities. Surviving family members in Utah can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost companionship, the decedent’s final medical bills, and other related damages. According to Utah wrongful death laws, families typically have two years from the date of death to initiate a wrongful death claim.

In Utah, personal injury cases must generally be filed within 4 years from the date of the sideswipe collision under Utah’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can bar victims from seeking compensation. Each state has its own statute of limitations, so those injured outside Utah should confirm the applicable timeline.

What to Do When You’re Sideswiped

Taking specific steps after a sideswipe accident can help protect your well-being and right to seek compensation.

  • Call 911: Even if injuries seem minor, getting emergency services on the scene can help document what happened and provide immediate care.
  • Get Medical Attention: Seek a professional evaluation. Some injuries, such as head trauma or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent.
  • Document the Scene: If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, license plates, and any relevant details. This can serve as evidence for an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
  • Collect Witness Information: Gather contact information from anyone who saw what took place. Their statements can help support your version of events.
  • Notify Insurance: Report the accident to your insurer. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without understanding your rights. Insurance companies sometimes try to minimize payouts, so proceed with caution.
  • Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: Reaching out for legal help can help individuals understand the best way to proceed with an insurance claim or a potential lawsuit.

Building a solid legal strategy for a sideswipe car accident often involves assembling police reports, medical documentation, accident reconstruction analysis, and eyewitness testimony. Working with a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer ensures a knowledgeable advocate is present to counter these tactics.

Hire a Utah Car Accident Lawyer to Help with Your Case

There is no reason for victims to deal with the car accident claims process alone when legal guidance is available. A strong claim can help secure the resources necessary to pay medical bills, replace lost wages, and compensate for ongoing distress. Craig Swapp & Associates stands ready to assist victims of a sideswipe accident in Utah and other states.

For more information about how you can secure a fair car accident settlement, call our office today at 1-866-308-3822 or fill out our contact form to have your free consultation scheduled.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp